LEAP - Touro Law Center - Touro College

L.E.A.P.
Legal Education Access Program
TOURO LAW
Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

Message from
the Director
Dear Students,
We invite all entering minority students to participate in
L.E.A.P., a wonderful program that leads to a high level
of success each year by minority students at Touro Law
Center.
L.E.A.P. is run by highly successful upper-division
minority students who are deeply committed to
providing you with the same opportunity for success that
they received in their first year of law school.
The crucial start is the L.E.A.P. Summer Program, which
is held in the evening for four weeks prior to the
beginning of the school year. During the summer
program, you will learn exactly what you should do to
prepare for class, prepare for law school exams, and excel
in taking law school exams.
Success in law school requires a different type of class
preparation, exam preparation, and exam writing than
undergraduate or graduate school, and you need to learn
how to excel in law school from upper-division students
who have excelled in law school. L.E.A.P. gives you this
opportunity.
L.E.A.P. is offered free of charge and participation is
entirely voluntary. L.E.A.P. will lead you to success in
law school.
Cordially,
“L.E.A.P will
lead you to
success in
law school.”
Douglas D. Scherer
Professor of Law
Director, L.E.A.P. Program
CONTACT INFORMATION
L.E.A.P. Program Director
Professor Doug Scherer
(631) 761-7140 or
dscherer@tourolaw.edu

“The L.E.A.P. program
was an essential part of my
first year transition into law
school. It gave me an early
appreciation of the
discipline and work ethic it
takes to excel in the first
year. L.E.A.P. allowed
me to forge early
friendships with upper level
students, and showed me
what to expect during my
first year.”
- Edson A. Coley
Class of 2012
“L.E.A.P. is an amazing
program. It is a very
unique support system and
provides minority students
with resources and tools
that otherwise might not
have been available to
them. The passion and
zeal of Professor Scherer,
Director of the L.E.A.P.
program, and numerous
voluntary TAs are beyond
belief. It is truly a great
experience to work with
people whose main goal is
for you to be successful.
You will also meet friends
who will be your greatest
support throughout law
school and after.”
L.E.A.P.
SUMMER PROGRAM
The four week L.E.A.P. Summer Program provides
participants with the basic knowledge and skills they need
to excel in law school. The program runs in the evening
for four weeks, with a different first year area of law
covered each week. Students learn how to prepare for class
by “briefing cases,” learn how to prepare “outlines” for
each subject, and learn how to excel in law school exam
taking.
On Monday through Wednesday of each week, there is a
class taught like a typical law school class by a member of
the summer program faculty. After each lecture,
participants break into smaller groups and discuss the class
materials with upper-division L.E.A.P. Teaching Assistants.
The Teaching Assistants show participants how to
determine which aspects of the lecture and class discussion
are important for the exam, and show them how to include
in their outlines the principles of law they must know for
the exam.
During the first week, there are lectures on exam writing.
On Thursday of each week, participants take a simulated
law school exam in the subject area for that week. On the
following Monday, they are given the exam answers they
wrote, along with comments on their exam answers and
copies of the best answers written by members of the
group.
By the end of the four weeks, the participants will have
received an introduction to the law covered in their first
year courses and will have developed the class preparation,
outline preparation, and exam taking skills they need to
excel in law school.
- Alice Jakyung Choi
Class of 2009

“L.E.A.P. stands for Legal
Education Access Program,
but when you participate in
the program, you will learn
that it has a deeper
meaning. L.E.A.P. was
instrumental in helping me
transition as a first year
law student. I was inspired
by my L.E.A.P. teaching
assistants who had been
successful in their first year,
and it gave me the
confidence that I would also
be able to achieve this same
goal. Participating in
L.E.A.P. not only allows
you to excel academically
but also provides a support
system, something we all
need as law students.”
- Winsome Taik
Class of 2010
“LEAP is the SINGLE
most helpful program to
assist incoming minority
law students. LEAP
provides students with a
basic layout of law school
with actual training to
succeed in 1st year law
classes. It also links
individuals into a social
network for study groups,
discussions and various
other benefits. I attribute a
significant portion of my
success in law school to
LEAP. It would have
been a grave mistake to
miss out on the LEAP
program if one has the
opportunity to attend its
sessions.”
L.E.A.P. ACADEMIC
YEAR PROGRAM
During the fall and spring semesters, L.E.A.P. participants
in each section will have a L.E.A.P. Teaching Assistant
for each of their substantive courses. They will meet with
their Teaching Assistants regularly, in Teaching Assistant
Sessions, and will focus on difficult areas of substantive
law and on preparation for mid-term exams and the
exams that are given at the end of each semester.
The Teaching Assistants serve as teachers, mentors, and
friends. They are highly successful upper-division students
who participated in the L.E.A.P. Program during their
first year of law school and are giving back to new first
year students what they received from their L.E.A.P.
Teaching Assistants.
During the academic year, the L.E.A.P. Program
Director and Student Co-Directors are available to
L.E.A.P. participants for one-on-one counseling and
academic guidance. Wonderful assistance also is available
from five minority student organizations, the Asian
Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA),
the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), the Latino/a
American Law Student Association (LALSA), the Muslim
Law Students Association (MLSA), and the South Asian
Law Students Association (SALSA). These organizations
bring interesting and informative speakers to the campus,
have mentoring programs for first year students, and
provide excellent networking opportunities through
affiliation with regional and national organizations.
- Han Sheng Beh
Class of 2009

“L.E.A.P. is a great
program that helped me
understand and develop the
mindset and the reading
and writing skills that I
needed to succeed in law
school. The summer
program was instrumental
in my success at law school,
and had I not attended
that program I would not
have known how to brief a
case or write a law school
exam. Moreover, the
friends that I made during
L.E.A.P. are friends I still
spend time with.”
- Wendy Jean-Bart
Class of 2009
L.E.A.P.
PROGRAM RESULTS
• Excellent academic performance by minority
students at the Law Center since the founding of
the L.E.A.P. program
• Selection of minority students to serve as Editorsin-Chief
and Managing Editors of the Touro Law
Review, Touro International Law Review, and
Touro Journal of Race, Gender and Ethnicity
• Winners of the prestigious Bainbridge Moot Court
Competition and service as Editors on the Moot
Court Board
• Presidents and other officers of Law Center
organizations, including Presidents of the Student
Bar Association (the student body president)
• Excellent law career opportunities made available
by excellent academic performance
“L.E.A.P. helped me a
great deal going into my
first semester of law school.
I learned in L.E.A.P. that
the trick to being successful
in law school is doing the
work. There aren't any
short cuts. Our TAs gave
us great study techniques. I
learned the discipline and
sacrifice that's required.
This was vital because I
was able to start the
semester off on the right
foot.”
• More than 900 minority lawyers who have
graduated from the Law Center since the L.E.A.P.
Program was founded in 1990, and who are
members of the L.E.A.P. Alumni Association
- Michael Rivers
Class of 2012

“The LEAP Program was a motivating factor in my decision to come to Touro. While
participating in the LEAP program I learned the necessary tools for success in law school, while
surrounded by people that believed in my success. The LEAP program gave me a support
team, a relationship with peer-mentors, and a family away from home. The LEAP program
has made a tremendous impact on my law school career. Because I know how much of a
difference it made in my life, I make sure to give back to the upcoming classes by serving as
their LEAP TA or mentor. The LEAP program embodies the same ideals that I was taught
while growing up, which is, with hard work I can achieve anything. My participation in
LEAP, hard work, and dedication has made it possible for me to fulfill my dreams. After
graduation, my dreams will transform into reality when I have the honor of taking on my first
case as a criminal defense attorney in New York City.”
- Rebecca Gregory
Class of 2012
“L.E.A.P. is the law school equivalent of a family. The level of caring and respect that you
receive from your fellow L.E.A.P. students is invaluable. No matter how stressful law school
becomes, L.E.A.P. provides the tools and skills necessary to overcome the inevitable
obstacles.”
- Gregory Coleman, Jr.
LEAP Program Student Co-Director 2008-2009
Class of 2009
“The L.E.A.P. program was truly instrumentally in the success I experienced in the first
semester of law school. I employed the strategies taught by Professor Scherer and the many
L.E.A.P. volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to help us succeed, all the way from
briefing the cases for orientation to studying for finals. The program also provided an
invaluable support system of upper classmen and other first year students who helped to make
the first day of class feel like a familiar journey instead of a daunting new beginning.”
- Luzan Moore
Class of 2014

“When I first received my acceptance to attend Touro Law Center, I was filled with a world of
emotions ranging from elation to anxiety. Shortly after receiving my acceptance letter, I received
a letter informing me about the LEAP program, which gives minority students exposure to the
first year courses prior to the start of school. I reluctantly decided to attend the program and
later realized that this was the best decision I have every made. Being a participant in Touro’s
LEAP Program allowed me to not only meet new people prior to the start of law school, but
also to obtain a foundation for success in law school. By facilitating my acculturation into law
school, the LEAP program gave me a much better chance for success as a law student. My
decision to participate paved the way for a smooth and successful transition to law school.”
- Jesseka Green
Class of 2012
“LEAP was the single most influential program that served as my stepping-stones into law
school. When I participated in LEAP during the summer before my first year, I was inspired
by the success of the upper-level students. The LEAP teaching assistants not only provided me
with the academic guidance I needed when entering law school, but with emotional and mental
support as well. L.E.A.P. has provided me with an irreplaceable experience in law school thus
far and I attribute a significant portion of my success in law school to LEAP!”
- Jennifer Ng
Class of 2013
“I didn’t leap; I soared into my first semester at Touro Law because of LEAP. The LEAP
program was the foundation for my success. The caring LEAP students and faculty ushered me
into the daunting law school process. I was taught the fundamentals of being a law student by
learning how to: prepare for class, time manage, brief court cases, IRAC, study effectively, and
take law school exams. LEAP also introduced me to an exceptional group of students and
faculty who now are great friends, mentors, and at times, even lifesavers. LEAP is a unique
program with irreplaceable benefits. I could not imagine my life at Touro without it.”
- Kristen Berrios
Class of 2014

“On my first visit to Touro, prior to being accepted, a young gentleman stopped to talk with me
and told me about a summer program called L.E.A.P. and how instrumental it was to his
success in law school. I expressed to him how grateful I was that he spent the time to speak
with me and he responded, “Just make sure while you are here that you pass this message
along to another incoming minority law student.” I was overwhelmed with the sense of
community and support I received from my first short visit to Touro. Since then, L.E.A.P.
has provided me with exceptional tools and resources to manage the challenging workload of
law school. My success is truly based on my willingness to fully participate and take advantage
of all of the wonderful opportunities Touro’s L.E.A.P. program has to offer.”
- Malaika Makembe
LEAP Program Student Director 2009-2010
Class of 2010
“I cannot stress enough how valuable LEAP was to my first semester of law school. Law school
is a big transition, and LEAP eases you into it. It enhanced my study techniques and test
skills that other 1Ls struggle to find their first semester. It's a great introduction to the structure
of a law school classroom and definitely a program I'd suggest to attend. Not only does it
prepare you for the intense workload ahead, but it's an opportunity to meet other students.
The people you meet during LEAP will be one of your strongest support systems, which is
essential to a successful law school experience."
- Cheryl Villanueva
Class of 2014
“LEAP provides minority law school students with the tools and resources necessary to succeed
in law school, which otherwise would not have been available to them. As a LEAP
participant, I had access to a support group of successful upper-division minority students.
L.E.A.P. was instrumental in my success in law school. As a LEAP TA, I enjoyed assisting
minority students succeed in law school. It would be a mistake for a minority student to miss
out on the L.E.A.P. program.”
- Rafael Espinoza
Class of 2012

“The LEAP program provides incoming minority students with the opportunity to develop
critical relationships with other students prior to the first day of law school. These relationships
help to make the transition into the fast-paced law school environment less stressful. Within the
first week of the LEAP program I found my study partner and best friend who provided both
emotional and academic support throughout all three years of law school. Students will also
learn from successful upper-level students the skills and techniques necessary to succeed in law
school. The ability to ask questions and practice different study techniques over the course of the
LEAP program is invaluable. The LEAP program exceeded all my expectations. I would not
be where I am today without this program. Thank you Professor Scherer and thank you
LEAP!”
- Lauren Morales
LEAP Program Student Co-Director 2010-2011
Class of 2012
“Pursuing my dream to become an attorney after working for many years and raising my family
seemed like a goal I would never accomplish. L.E.A.P. eased my anxiety about attending law
school and gave me the tools I needed to succeed. After my four weeks in the L.E.A.P.
summer program, my fear gave way to determination and I welcomed the start of law school
feeling prepared for all the challenges before me. For students that have been away from the
classroom for years, L.E.A.P. offers a safe and nurturing environment to prepare us for success
day one of law school. You quickly learn that there are many factors that contribute to your
performance in law school and L.E.A.P. becomes an extension of your support system to help
you navigate through the process.”
- Tanya Freeman
LEAP Program Student Co-Director 2010-2011 and 2011-2012
Class of 2012
“The LEAP program has served as the single most beneficial resource for me in law school. This
remarkable program helps students develop the skills necessary to succeed. Additionally, it is a
network of students who can relate, understand and assist you through the academic demands
you’ll face. The program supports you by way of the teaching assistance of upper-division
students. As well, these students help impart valuable lessons learned from their experiences
during law school. My gratitude for the program cannot be fully expressed in words but has
been a rewarding opportunity, which should be used to its full advantage. ”
- Julianne Rodriguez
LEAP Program Student Co-Director 2011-2012
Class of 2013

ANTHEA M. DES ETAGES
Class of 2001
Assistant Dean for Academics
Charlotte School of Law
Editor-in-Chief
of the Touro Law Review
“The L.E.A.P. summer program not only introduced me to first year law school subjects, but also
fostered an early understanding of the law school culture and the academic rigor inherent in the law school
curriculum. The academic year component of the program helped me develop the skills essential to any
law student’s success using substantive law as the vehicle through which those skills could be practiced.
From writing essays to articulating legal analysis for hypothetical questions, from comparing outlines to
brainstorming study schedules, students were always encouraged to develop long-term habits that would
enable them to perform well on their law school exams and ultimately on the bar exam. Beyond law
school, many of the people I met in the L.E.A.P. program are now lifelong friends. The bonds we share
withstand long absences, diverse geographic locations and different life circumstances. I was fortunate to be
able to pass on the skills I mastered in the L.E.A.P. program as the Academic Success Counselor at a
law school in Charlotte, and now serve as Assistant Dean for Academics at this law school. Who knew
that the impact of the L.E.A.P. program on my life would be so far-reaching?”
MARGARET CHAN
Class of 1993
Judge
Civil Court, City of New York
Managing Editor
of the Touro Law Review
“The L.E.A.P. program lessened the anxiety of dealing with classes and classmates, many of whom were
ten years my junior, in a geographical area where a minority student was seldom seen. The orientation
demystified the whole legal conundrum for those unversed in this field, and the staff and members were
warm-hearted and caring. That was a very good start.
I took the L.E.A.P. summer course and, in turn, taught a few courses for L.E.A.P. I found a few people
from this small community that is the L.E.A.P. program, with whom I studied for the bar exam. We all
did well and we remain good friends. We ventured forth and became successful in the legal field. I am
currently a judge in the Civil Court of the City of New York. I am thankful to the L.E.A.P. program for
the encouragement to go the distance in getting where I am now and I am thankful to Touro for giving me
the tools to get here.”

ROSS E. PETERS
Class of 2000
International Tax Attorney
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Editor-in-Chief
of the Touro Law Review
“When Professor Scherer invited me to participate in Touro’s Legal Education Access Program (L.E.A.P.)
summer course for new first year law students, I was hesitant to attend at first. I was unsure that it would
be worth my time and effort to make the move from Texas to New York a month prior to the beginning of
my first semester. After the first day of the program, I realized that it would have been a mistake not to
attend. I could not have had a better introduction to law school than I received by participating in
L.E.A.P. The summer program provided not only a glance through the window of what was to come in
the first year of law school, but also some of the valuable tools that would be needed to attack the challenges
ahead. The teaching assistant sessions throughout the academic year helped me to solidify what I learned in
the classroom and develop strong bonds with other L.E.A.P. participants. The program proved so
beneficial to my academic development that I decided to give back to L.E.A.P. by becoming a teaching
assistant.”
SANDRA IRBY
Class of 2007
Principal Law Clerk
to Court of Appeals Judge Theodore T. Jones
New York State Court of Appeals
Member of the Touro Law Review and Class Orator at graduation
“During the summer program, students learn how to brief cases - which is a daunting, time consuming task
for a first year student. Students also learn study and test-taking skills. At the time that I participated in
L.E.A.P., I worked full-time at an insurance company and intended to maintain that schedule, while
attending the Law Center's part-time program. L.E.A.P. formed my understanding of law school and
how to achieve academic success. It answered many of the key questions that incoming students typically
ask, such as: what to study, how to study and how much one should study. The program provided me
with the tools I needed to be a successful law student and connected me to upper-level students who had
achieved academic success at the Law Center. Attending L.E.A.P.'s summer classes and the teaching
assistant sessions helped me obtain academic achievements such as Dean's List and Law Review. After my
first year of law school, I continued to participate in L.E.A.P. as a teaching assistant. That opportunity
allowed me to mentor incoming students and reinforce my knowledge in important subjects that were
certain to appear on a bar exam. L.E.A.P. boosted my academic and professional successes, and for those
reasons, I will be forever grateful to Professor Scherer and the students who continue to make L.E.A.P. a
successful program at the Law Center.”